[Pharmanaut]

At the risk of being a tariff bore.

Look in the drug tariff Part VIII, or Part 7 in Scotland.
If the drug list listed in there then that is what you get paid.
If you see a C against it, the price is based on a manufacturer or brand listed in brackets. You can endorse whatever you like but you will only get paid that price.

Some of the larger pharmacy chains negotiate price deals (brand equalisation) which means that you can supply the brand against all scripts. The PMR is usually set up to do this for you. However, if in part VIII or 7, you will still only get paid the tariff price.

If you get a script that is for a non-multiple of the calendar pack you can supply the exact quantity on the script but you must endorse the quantity given. Some pharmacies still continue to supply exact quantity which means you end up with split packs. The split packs can be used mainly for MDS and the occasional emergency supply. For my part I would always dispense calendar packs.

Remember, if there is only the one pack in the tariff and you do not need to add information to tell the PPA how you have interpreted the script (ie the script can be dispensed exactly how it was written) you need not endorse at all.

Watch out for special containers.
Also watch out for drugs that look like the are drugs but are in fact classed as devices. This was covered in the "When is a drug not a drug?" Thread in earlier postings.

Final point, as I'm getting bored with the Tariff as well, check the PSNC website regularly for updates to tariff matters. If I remember correctly, if you have Cegedimrx Pharmacy Manager there are some FAQ leaflets about tariff matters. Look in Tools>Enquiry>Leaflets and search on FAQ.

The latest NPA quide to the drug tariff is not as helpful as previous editions - anyone agree?